Infant support device

ABSTRACT

An infant support apparatus. The apparatus comprising a waistband adjustably secured about a user&#39;s waist that includes a female snap buckle member, and a support member having an adjustable strap and a sling portion. The adjustable strap is detachably coupled to the female snap buckle member such that the adjustable strap is pulled over a shoulder of the user and the sling portion is allowed to hang down over the user&#39;s chest. The sling portion forms a loop wherein the user may place a portion of the user&#39;s forearm to support and retain the user&#39;s forearm in a substantially horizontal position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/047,415, filed Jul. 2, 2020, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to a support apparatus, and more specifically, to an apparatus for supporting the arm of a user while holding an infant.

BACKGROUND

My wife and I most recently had our first child together, a baby boy. And as any first time parent, I did all of my research on how to raise my infanct the “correct way!” Most importantly, how to keep my infant safe.

I researched everything from “Can I kill my baby if he lays in the bed with me?” “Will he die if he sleeps on his stomach too soon?” “What causes sudden infant death?” “He's been quiet too long, is he dead? Let me check his pulse just in case.” And then of course, one of the most searched . . . “How do I get my baby to STOP crying???”

From my rearach, I discovered several “hush little baby” remedies, and I tried them all. Some were good, but most were not. But, there was one that, in my experience, worked nearly every time. I can't tell you the name of this particular style, but I′ll describe as a life saver. Let's call it the “C-shape hold.”

You basically take one hand, cup the baby's butt with it, make sure they are secure in your palm, then without dropping your baby—take your other hand and move it up to their chin, spread your thumb and index finger apart and place it under his/her chin acting as a chinstrap. Then, you gently lean the baby forward into the thumb/index chinstrap to balance out the weight in both hands (forming baby into a “C-shape.”). Now rock gently and, in NO time, silence!

This method has been suggested by many doctors and yes of course it has been 100% on target, however, this method generates a host of problems for the parent holding the infant. Namely, this method stresses the arm muscles of the carrier and requires a lot of strength to hold the infant for any considerable amount of time.

Another popular and effective way of supporting an infact is the “football hold,” which is a variation of the “c-shape” with the baby laying across the underside of the forearm, with legs and arms on either side. In this method, the infant's is cradled in the palm of the hand of the same arm, and, similar to the “C-shape” method, the carrier's arms will get tried and lose strength.

A need therefore exists for an apparatus that enables persons to support infants according the aforementioned methods, while providing critical support to their forearms and wrist while holding an infant in these recommended positions.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to an infant support apparatus. According to one implementation of the disclosure, the apparatus comprises a waistband and a support member. The waistband is adjustably secured about a user's waist and includes a female snap buckle member. The support member includes an adjustable strap and a sling portion, where the adjustable strap is detachably coupled to the female snap buckle member such that the adjustable strap is pulled over a shoulder of the user and the sling portion is allowed to hang down over the user's chest. The sling portion forms a loop wherein the user may place a portion of the user's forearm to support and retain the user's forearm in a substantially horizontal position.

According to another implementation of the disclosure, the apparatus comprises a waistband and a support member. The waistband is adjustably secured about a user's waist. A support member coupled to the waistband, where the support member includes a support bracket, an outer telescoping member, an inner telescoping member, and a seat. The inner telescoping member is configured to slide longitudinally within an interior of the outer telescoping member. The seat is coupled to the inner telescoping member and configured to support the forearm if the user.

The disclosure herein is a summary of the invention and not an extensive overview of all contemplated embodiments. It should be appreciated that many other features, applications, embodiments, implementations and/or variations of the disclosed technology will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the following detailed description. While multiple implementations are disclosed, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

This disclosure may be better understood by referring to the following figures. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the disclosure. In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating one example of an infant support apparatus according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the outer surface of a waistband of the infant support apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the inner surface of the waistband of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a support member of the infant support apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5a is a rear schematic view showing the infant support apparatus of FIG. 1 assembled about the back of the user.

FIG. 5b is a rear schematic view showing the infant support apparatus of FIG. 1 assembled about the back of the user.

FIG. 6 is a front view illustrating a second example of an infant support apparatus according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the outer surface of a waistband of the infant support apparatus of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the waistband of the infant support apparatus of FIG. 6, flipped counterclockwise.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a support member of the infant support apparatus of FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the support member of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-10 illustrate examples of various implementations of an infant support apparatus. As described herein, the apparatus may include a waistband and a support member having an adjustable strap and a sling portion, where the adjustable strap is detachably coupled to the waistband such that the adjustable strap is pulled over a shoulder of the user and the sling portion is allowed to hang down over the user's chest to support a forearm of the user. In another implementation, the apparatus may include a waistband and a support member having an adjustable arm coupled to the waistband and configured to support a forearm of the user.

FIG. 1 is a front view of one example of an infant support apparatus 100 according to the teachings of the present disclosure. As shown, the apparatus 100 includes an adjustable waistband 102 secured about the user's waist, and a support member 104 that drapes over the shoulder of the user to support the forearm of the user while the user holds an infant 106.

FIG. 2 is a front plan view showing an outer surface 202 of the waistband 102. As shown, the waistband 102 comprises an elongated unitary member having a first end 204, and opposite end 206, and a central portion 208. The waistband 102 may be made of polyester, leather, nylon, canvas, neoprene, or any other durable, breathable material.

The outer surface of end 204 may include hook and loop material 210, such as, for example, Velcro®, for detachably engaging complementary hook and loop material located along the inner surface of opposite end 206 (shown in FIG. 3). The first end 204 may further include an adjustable strap 212 for engaging a female snap buckle member 214 coupled to opposite end 206. The adjustable strap 212 may be adjusted to provide a desired fit around the user's waist. The waistband may be secured in place about the user's waist by tightening and fastening the belt to the user's liking by using the hook and loop fasteners and adjustable strap 212 for double support.

The central portion 208 of the waistband 102 may include a pair of female strap buckle members 220 and 222 for coupling to a male snap buckle member of the support member 104, as will be described in more detail below. The strap buckle members 220 and 222 may be made of plastic, aluminum, stainless steel, or any other suitable material.

The central portion 208 may further include a second pair of female strap buckle members 224 for coupling to male snap buckle members 230 of an accessory 232. The accessory 232 may be a pouch for storing personal items, such as, for example, a cell phone, wallet, keys, baby diapers, or baby bottle.

In certain implementations, the outer surface 202 of the waistband 102 may be overlaid with elastic banding (not shown) to provide additional back support.

FIG. 3 is a front plan view showing an inner surface 302 of the waistband 102. As shown, the inner surface 302 may include hook and loop material 304, such as, for example, Velcro®, at opposite end 206 for detachably engaging complementary hook and loop material 204 coupled to outer surface 202 at first end 204 (see FIG. 2). Hook and loop material 204 (see FIG. 2) and hook and loop material 304 cooperate to comprise a hook and loop fastener for adjustably securing the waistband 102 about the user's waist.

The inner surface 302 of the waistband 102 we further include padding 306 along the central portion 208 to provide cushion and back support for the user. The padding 306 may comprise foam, memory foam, cotton, or other suitable material.

FIG. 4. is a front perspective view of the support member 104. The support member 104 includes in adjustable strap 402 and a sling portion 404. The adjustable strap includes an upper strap member 206 and a lower strap member 208. The upper strap member 206 may include padding 410 to cushion the user's shoulder when the upper strap member 406 is draped over the shoulder of the user. The lower strap member 208 may include an adjustable slip buckle 412 and a male snap buckle member 414. The slip buckle 412 enables the user to adjust the length of the lower strap member 408. The male snap buckle member 414 is configured to engage a female snap buckle member 220 or 222 (see FIG. 2) coupled to the waistband 102.

The sling portion 404 may comprise a single piece of material that folds over itself to form a loop 420. The loop 220 defines a sleeve 222 for receiving a forearm of the user.

Some implementations, the upper strap member 206 and sling portion 404 may be formed from the same piece material. In these implementations, a single sheet of material is folded over itself to form the loop 220.

In other implementations, the sling portion 204 may be made from a different material than the upper strap member 206. In these implementations, the upper strap member 206 and the sling portion 204 may be sewn together.

The sling portion 204 may further include a pouch 424 for storing personal items, such as, for example, baby bottles, pacifiers, a cell phone, keys, or other items.

FIG. 5a is a rear schematic view showing the infant support apparatus 100 assembled about the back of the user. This view illustrates how the user couples the support member 104 to the waistband 102 to support the right forearm of the user. As shown, the user clips the male snap buckle member 414 to female snap buckle member 220, positioned proximate the lower left region of the user's back (i.e., near the left external abdominal oblique muscle). In this way, the adjustable strap 402 extends from the user's lower left back, diagonally across the user's back to draped over the user's right shoulder. This enables the adjustable strap 402 to provide back support by distributing the weight of the user's arm across the user's back. To the contrary, if the male snap buckle member 414 was coupled to the female snap buckle member 220 at the user's lower right back region, the weight of the user's arm would be entirely on the user's right side. By enabling the adjustable strap 402 to extend a diagonally across the user's back, the loads from the weight of the user's arm may be evenly distributed across the user's back.

FIG. 5b is a rear schematic view showing the infant support apparatus 100 assembled about the back of the user. As shown, the user clips the male snap buckle member 414 to female snap buckle member 222, positioned proximate the lower right region of the user's back (i.e., near the right external abdominal oblique muscle). In this way, the adjustable strap 402 extends from the user's lower left back region, diagonally across the user's back to draped over the user's right shoulder.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a second example of an infant support apparatus 600 according to the teachings of the present disclosure. As shown, the apparatus 600 includes an adjustable waistband 602 secured about the user's waist, and a support member 604 that supports the forearm of the user while the user holds an infant 106.

FIG. 7 is a front plan view showing an outer surface 702 of the waistband 602. As shown, the waistband 602 comprises an elongated unitary member having a first end 704, and opposite end 706, and a central portion 708. The waistband 602 may be made of polyester, leather, nylon, canvas, neoprene, or any other durable, breathable material. In the orientation shown, the support apparatus 600 would support a user's right forearm.

In the present example, the waistband is an adjustable belt having a belt buckle 710 at end 704 and tongue 712 with punch holes 714 at opposite end 706. In other implementations, the waistband 602 may utilize a hook and loop fastener and adjustable strap to adjustably secure the waistband 602 about the user's waist.

The waistband 602 may further include padding (not shown) along the central portion 608 to provide cushion and back support for the user. The padding may comprise foam, memory foam, cotton, or other suitable material.

FIG. 8. is a front plan view showing the waistband 602 flipped counterclockwise. In this orientation, the support apparatus 600 would support a user's left forearm.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the support member 604. The support member 604 includes a support bracket 902, an outer telescoping member 904, an inner telescoping member 906, and a substantially U-shaped seat 908. As shown, the outer telescoping member 904 and inner telescoping member 906 are concentric and the support bracket 902 is coupled to an end 704 of the waistband 602 (see FIG. 7). The support bracket 902 may be coupled the waistband 602 by fasteners, adhesive, bonding, or any other suitable means. The support bracket 902 may have a substantially U-shaped cross-section defining a channel 1002 (FIG. 10) for receiving the outer telescoping member 904.

The outer telescoping member 904 is a tubular member. The outer telescoping member 904 includes a first end rotatably coupled to the support bracket 902 at pivot 910, and opposite open end, an inner diameter, and an outer diameter. The outer diameter of the outer telescoping member 904 has dimensions corresponding to the dimensions of the channel 1002 (FIG. 10). In this way, the outer telescoping member 904 may rotate 180° about the pivot 910, within the channel, as depicted by arrow 912. Pivot 910 may be a dowel pin or any other suitable member.

The inner telescoping member 906 is a tubular member. The inner telescoping member 906 includes a first end, and opposite open end, an inner diameter and an outer diameter. The outer diameter of the inner telescoping member 906 has dimensions corresponding to the dimensions of the inner diameter of the outer telescoping member 904, such that the first end of the inner telescoping member 906 may engage the open end of the outer telescoping member 906 to translate in and out of the outer telescoping member 906 interior, as depicted by arrow 912. In this way, the height of the support member 604 may be adjusted relative to the waistband 602 to provide a desired fit.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the support member 604. As shown, together with FIG. 9, the outer telescoping member 904 is configured to rotate about pivot 910 within channel 1002 to adjust the position of the seat 908 relative to the waistband 602. To adjust the seat 908 horizontally away from the waistband 602, the support bracket 902 may include a plurality of adjustment holes 920 (FIG. 9) that complement a locking hole (not shown) formed in the outer telescoping member 904. Once the outer telescoping member 904 is adjusted (i.e., rotated) to a desired location, the outer telescoping member 904 may be retained in that position by a quick-release locking pin 1004 configured to extend through a corresponding adjustment hole 920 and the locking hole of the outer telescoping member 904. If the user desires to further adjust the position of the support member 604, the user may remove the locking pin 1004 from the adjustment hole 920 and the locking hole of the outer telescoping member 904 and rotate the outer telescoping member 904 to another desired position.

To adjust the vertical position of the seat 908 relative to the waistband 602, the outer telescoping member 904 may include a plurality of adjustment holes 922 (FIG. 9) that complement a locking hole (not shown) formed in the inner telescoping member 906. Once the inner telescoping member 906 is adjusted (i.e., slidably translated within the outer telescoping member 904 along its longitudinal axis 1030) to a desired height, the inner telescoping member 906 may be retained in that position by a quick-release locking pin 1006 configured to extend through a corresponding adjustment hole 922 and the locking hole of the inner telescoping member 906. If the user desires to further adjust the position of the support member 604, the user may remove the locking pin 1006 from the adjustment hole 922 and the locking hole of the inner telescoping member 906 and translate the inner telescoping member 906 to another desired position.

As further shown in FIG. 10, the seat 908 may comprise a substantially U-shaped body 1010 and a base 1012. The seat 908 may be made of plastic, aluminum, stainless steel, or any other durable material. In some implementation, especially those where the seat 908 is made of plastic or metal, the body 1010 of the seat 908 may be overlaid with foam or rubber to provide a cushioned surface upon with the user's forearm may rest.

The seat 908 may pivotably coupled to the inner telescoping member 906 by a ball joint 1020 coupled between a first end of the inner telescoping member 906 and the base 1012 of the seat 908. The ball joint 1020 provides universally freedom of motion of the body 1010 to provide additional adjustment of the seat 908.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the infant support apparatus 600 in use to support a user's right hand. If the user desired support for its left hand, the user may flip the waistband 602 counterclockwise and pivot the orientation of the seat 908 substantially 180 degrees to the orientation depicted in FIG. 8. In this way, the same apparatus may be used to support a user's right arm as well as left arm.

While the present disclosure is described for purposes of supporting a user hold an infant, the present disclosure may also be used to support an injured or casted arm of a user.

In general, terms such as “coupled to,” and “configured for coupling to,” and “secured to,” and “configured for securing to” and “in communication with” (for example, a first component is “coupled to” or “is configured for coupling to” or is “configured for securing to” or is “in communication with” a second component) are used herein to indicate a structural, functional, mechanical, electrical, signal, optical, magnetic, electromagnetic, ionic or fluidic relationship between two or more components or elements. As such, the fact that one component is said to be in communication with a second component is not intended to exclude the possibility that additional components may be present between, and/or operatively associated or engaged with, the first and second components.

Although the previous description illustrates particular examples of various implementations, the present disclosure is not limited to the foregoing illustrative examples. A person skilled in the art is aware that the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents can be applied in various further implementations and modifications. In particular, a combination of the various features of the described implementations is possible, as far as these features are not in contradiction with each other. Accordingly, the foregoing description of implementations has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above description. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An infant support apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a waistband, the waistband being adjustably secured about a user's waist and includes a female snap buckle member; and a support member having an adjustable strap and a sling portion, where the adjustable strap is detachably coupled to the female snap buckle member such that the adjustable strap is pulled over a shoulder of the user and the sling portion is allowed to hang down over the user's chest, and where the sling portion forms a loop wherein the user may place a portion of the user's forearm to support and retain the user's forearm in a substantially horizontal position.
 2. An infant support apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a waistband, the waistband being adjustably secured about a user's waist; and a support member coupled to the waistband, where the support member includes a support bracket, an outer telescoping member, an inner telescoping member, and a seat, and where the inner telescoping member may slide longitudinally within an interior of the outer telescoping member, and where the seat is coupled to the inner telescoping member and configured to support the forearm of the user. 